Carver Sprouts LLC, founded in the Spring of 2021 and a client of the Illinois SBDC, is already living its mission. The minority-owned business (operated by Deneen and Glennis Lenoir) is committed not only to providing sustainable, local-grown, nutrient-dense foods to underserved communities, but also to helping close the gap of food insecurity by educating those communities on the benefits of eating healthier.
Carver Sprouts is currently developing the curriculum for a pilot children’s educational program in Will County; they will also be facilitating the classes. Kids will learn about hydroponic farming and soil by getting their hands dirty. In addition, Carver Sprouts has been asked to supply garden beds for Will County. It’s good to see a startup client of our Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at College of DuPage already growing and giving back.
“Since early March we have been working hard to intertwine our business idea so that it represents who we are as individuals and what our business mission is,” says Carver Sprouts co-founder Deneen Lenoir. “With the help of our advisor Doug Voegtle, we have gone from having a basic business idea—without any factual market research—to now using facts to establish our proof of concept. It’s allowed us to build our business in a grassroots community involved approach. Our work is just starting, and we hope that you follow us on our journey.”
www.facebook.com/glennisdeneen.lenoir
Contact Information
Business Development Center
535 Duane Street, Office 233
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
(630) 942-2600
Email: bdc@cod.edu
Regular Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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